Turkey Creek Redux
November 15-18, 2025
I figured my work trip with Gila Trails would be my last look at Turkey Creek. My right knee is shot, along with a host of other age-related issues confirming that the extended warranty on this chassis has definitely expired. But what if we packed really light, and took our time? Could we still make it to the hot springs?
The fall foliage was so beautiful! Even if we had to turn back part way, it would be worth it just to camp by the Gila this time of year.
Day One
And so we recruited four friends from Tucson to join us for a "geriatric backpack", with a base camp just three miles from the trailhead, with an out-and-back to the hot springs. Dennis and I arrived early and set up camp in a grove of graceful Arizona sycamores.
Late afternoon hike to the small hot springs in a nearby canyon. And who should we meet on the road but Jeff, Julia, Curtiss and Robin!
The hot pool.
It was very hot! We could only stay in for a few minutes!
If my knee gave out, this might be the only soak we got, and that would be okay (Photo by Dennis N).
The brightly colored wall is composed of yellow rock sulphur, or native sulphur. It's a naturally occurring mineral that forms in volcanic areas, near hot springs, and as a result of bacterial processes, and it is a commercial source for producing sulfuric acid for fertilizers and other industries.
The first campfire.
What a great reunion with our old backpacking buddies! (Photo by Curtiss S).
Day Two
Hitting the trail. Left to right: Jeff, Julia, Dennis, me, Curtiss and Robin.
Robin admiring the view of the Gila River Valley.
At the first crossing of the Gila.
And they're off! (Photo by Curtiss S).
That might be Watson Mountain in the distance. It's only 7461', but it has impressive prominence with a base elevation of 4800'.
Julia and Dennis at the second crossing.
Arrived at Turkey Creek, which was flowing nicely!
Our lovely campsite on Turkey Creek near the junction with Skeleton Canyon. We got set up just in time. There were intermittent rain showers for the rest of the day. We all took a nap, then built a nice cozy campfire.
Day Three
Day Three was the planned out-and-back to the hot springs, but less than half a mile from camp, there is a deep pool, and the only way to get around it is to drag your pack under a rock fall about 10 feet long. We nicknamed it "the birthing canal". (Photo by Curtiss S).
And right after the tunnel, there's a challenging scramble through a deep rock crevasse.
Photos by Jeff B.
Photos by Jeff B.
A bad hangover (Photo by Curtiss S).
The trail wanders up and down, alternately crawling over boulders in the creek, or scrambling up a loose scree slope. But when we felt the rising temperature of the creek, we knew we must be getting close!
And suddenly there it was!
The pools were in great shape!
As always, there's a certain amount of mixing required (Photo by Jeff B).
Relaxing by the creek.
We wandered upstream to check out the old campsite. It looked just the way we remembered it!
And there are several new pools that just need some additional spade work.
I took a dip in the deep pool below the waterfall. The water was well over my head!
Back in camp after our soak, some crazy hikers got the bug to hike up Skeleton Ridge for sunset.
Wow, Skeleton Canyon is impressive!
From the top of the ridge, you can see far across the Gila.
Deep in the canyon, there's a honeycombed ridge that looks like a potential cliff dwelling.
Zooming in ...
Hot springs aside, it would be worth it to return here just to continue hiking along Skeleton Ridge!
Curtiss, Dennis, me and Robin.
DayFour
Believe it or not, there are maple trees in the Gila Wilderness!
(Photo by Curtiss S).
These are bigtooth maple trees (Acer grandidentatum), a common native species that can be found in riparian areas and mountain canyons.
Not to be outdone in size or color by our very own Arizona sycamores!
The requisite "You Will Die" warning near the equally well-worn sign marking the boundary of the Gila Wilderness.
Time to head home. What a great trip! My knee held up. I don't know how many more treks it's good for, but I'm sure glad I was able to do this one! (Photo by Dennis N).
Bye for now! (Photo by Curtiss S).
